2471. isotés

Lexicon

isotés: Equality, fairness

Original Word: ἰσότης
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: isotés
Pronunciation: ee-SO-tace
Phonetic Spelling: (ee-sot'-ace)
Definition: Equality, fairness
Meaning: equality; equality of treatment, fairness.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

equality.

Likeness (in condition or proportion); by implication, equity -- equal(-ity).

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 2471 isótēs – equality (likeness), proportional. See 2470 (isos).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from isos
Definition
equality
NASB Translation
equality (2), fairness (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2471: ἰσότης

ἰσότης, ἰσότητος, ἡ (ἴσος);

1. equality: ἐξ ἰσότητος (cf. ἐκ, V. 3) by equality, 2 Corinthians 8:13 (14), equivalent to ὅπως γένηται ἰσότης, 14.

2. equity, fairness, what is equitable, joined with τό δίκαιον: Colossians 4:1. (Euripides, Plato, Aristotle, Polybius, others; (cf. Lightfoot on Colossians, the passage cited, yet per contra Meyer).)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek adjective ἴσος (isos), meaning "equal" or "same."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἰσότης, the concept of equality and fairness is present in the Hebrew Scriptures. Related Hebrew terms include מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat, Strong's H4941), meaning "justice" or "judgment," and צֶדֶק (tsedeq, Strong's H6664), meaning "righteousness" or "equity." These terms capture the essence of fairness and justice that ἰσότης conveys in the Greek New Testament.

Usage: The word ἰσότης appears in the New Testament primarily in the context of fairness and equality among believers, particularly in the sharing of resources and burdens.

Context: The concept of ἰσότης is significant in the New Testament, where it is used to emphasize the importance of equality and fairness within the Christian community. The Apostle Paul employs this term in his letters to address issues of economic disparity and communal responsibility among believers.

In 2 Corinthians 8:13-14 (BSB), Paul writes, "It is not your relief at the expense of others, but it is a question of equality. At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. Then there will be equality." Here, ἰσότης is used to advocate for a balanced sharing of resources, ensuring that no member of the community is in need while others have abundance. This reflects the early Christian ideal of mutual support and the breaking down of social and economic barriers within the body of Christ.

The principle of ἰσότης also extends to spiritual matters, where all believers are seen as equal before God, regardless of their social or economic status. This is consistent with the broader biblical theme of justice and righteousness, where God calls His people to act with fairness and equity.

The use of ἰσότης in the New Testament underscores the transformative nature of the Gospel, which seeks to create a community marked by love, generosity, and equality, reflecting the character of God Himself.

Forms and Transliterations

ισοτης ισότης ἰσότης ισοτητα ισότητα ἰσότητα ισοτητος ισότητος ἰσότητος τὴν isotes isotēs isótes isótēs isoteta isotēta isóteta isótēta isotetos isotētos isótetos isótētos ten tēn

Englishman's Concordance

2 Corinthians 8:13 N-GFS
GRK: ἀλλ' ἐξ ἰσότητος
NAS: but by way of equality--
INT: but of equality

2 Corinthians 8:14 N-NFS
GRK: ὅπως γένηται ἰσότης
NAS: [a supply] for your need, that there may be equality;
KJV: But by an equality, [that] now at
INT: so that there should be equality

Colossians 4:1 N-AFS
GRK: καὶ τὴν ἰσότητα τοῖς δούλοις
NAS: justice and fairness, knowing
KJV: and equal; knowing
INT: and that which [is] equal to the slaves

Strong's Greek 2471
3 Occurrences

ἰσότης — 1 Occ.
ἰσότητα — 1 Occ.
ἰσότητος — 1 Occ.